India has taken an important step towards strengthening healthcare cooperation across South and Southeast Asia. At the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, member countries unanimously adopted a joint statement to improve healthcare access, disease prevention and regional health security.
The meeting was attended by India’s Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on November 11, 2026.
New Public Health Plan for 2026–2030
The participating countries adopted a revised BIMSTEC Plan of Action on Public Health covering 2026–2030.
The plan focuses on several important areas:
- Strengthening disease surveillance systems.
- Improving pandemic preparedness.
- Expanding digital healthcare services.
- Promoting traditional medicine.
- Developing healthcare workforce capabilities.
- Improving cooperation under the One Health approach.
The initiative aims to improve coordination among member countries and strengthen their ability to respond to common health challenges.
India Announces 100 Additional Ambulances for Sri Lanka
India and Sri Lanka also strengthened their healthcare partnership through a new agreement for the supply of 100 additional fully equipped ambulances.
The assistance is being provided through Indian grant support worth approximately USD 5.28 million.
This initiative is expected to strengthen emergency medical transportation and improve access to healthcare services.
50 Medical Kiosks to Support Primary Healthcare
India also announced support for establishing 50 Medical Kiosks and Health ATMs in Sri Lanka.
These facilities are intended to strengthen primary healthcare services and make basic medical assistance more accessible.
India to Host Traditional Medicine Centre in Gujarat
Another important development is the plan to establish the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine at the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The centre will encourage regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing and research in traditional medicine.
Why This Healthcare Partnership Matters
The latest agreement highlights the growing importance of regional cooperation in healthcare.
Better disease monitoring, emergency medical facilities, digital health services and medical research can help participating countries strengthen their healthcare systems.
The new 2026–2030 action plan marks an important step towards building more accessible and resilient healthcare infrastructure across the BIMSTEC region.
